I Am 21 Days Post-OP Tummy Tuck Scab Fell off and Now with Fresh Looking Wound. No Fluid or Foul Smell? (photo)

Question

I am 21 dyas Post-op from Tummy tuck. I was cleaning my incision site when a small black scab or it might even be dried up blood fell off fresh fleshy skin was exposed. Its been four days now and it doesnt seem like its drying up. No oozing fluid, no pus, no foul smell and no pain but the wound has pink flesh and white portion. what could this be and how to I treat it. I had my sx out of country therefore I can not see my PS.

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

The photos do not suggest an infection. You may have a minor separation of the superficial portion of the wound. This could also represent some irritation from a buried, absorbable suture knot that is irritating the skin and causing small opening. You can apply a topical antibiotic such as Neosporin. Typically, wounds like this are allowed to heal on their own. This may take a few weeks. If the redness or swelling worsen, you should see a surgeon. Most likely, this won't be necessary.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are experiencing.  Superficial separation of the incision line is a known complication after tummy tuck surgery.   Close follow up with your plastic surgeon will be in your best interests; sometimes removal of a exposed suture and/or removal of any unhealthy tissue will expedite healing. Otherwise, wound care regimens will differ from one plastic surgeon to another.  Generally, this will involve application of some type of sterile dressing ( in my practice I use a non-stick dressing covered by a sterile dressing). You should have peace of mind that these types of wound healing problems generally go on to heal over the course of the next several weeks,  without long-term sequelae. Also important to concentrate on a healthy diet,  including good protein source. Occasionally, in the event of a wider scar, scar revision surgery may be helpful down the line.  Best wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

This is a rather common occurrence at the "t" intersection of TT, breast lifts, etc. Typically these do not need surgery either immediately or later, as they go on to heal normally. Keep the area clean, use a moist dressing if possible (xeroform, adaptic, or other) covered by dry guaze. In the unlikely event of trouble, see you primary physician. All the best.

Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Hi Mommabelle,

	It looks like you have a small area of delayed wound healing. This is not uncommon following a tummy tuck - the most common area being in the midline above the pubis. Smoking, coricosteroid use, diabetes or an overly agresssive surgical resection can be contributing factors.

	In my opinion, without examining you, I would suggest you could shower over the wound, pat the wound dry and then apply an antiseptic ointment (like betadine), then cover that with a gauze. Try doing that once a day.

	On a side note, it is good to have a local PS in times like these. You may have saved some money on the cost of sugery by going overseas, but if you have a complication, you could end up paying more by requiring one or more revisional procedures.

I Am 21 Days Post-OP Tummy Tuck Scab Fell off and Now with Fresh Looking Wound. No Fluid or Foul Smell? (photo)

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